Wayland-based Paws with a Cause shared a global report by Assistance Dogs International and the International Guide Dog Federation. It reveals service dog handlers continue to be denied access in restaurants, hotels, stores, medical facilities and public spaces.
PAWS Chief Programs Officer Becky Canale says that’s despite protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“I think one of the reasons that we are seeing such a high rate of denials in restaurants and cafes is individuals really faking their pet dog to be an assistance animal and that pet dog not having appropriate behavior so that really puts a bad taste in that restaurant and they don't then want to accommodate the individual who truly needs their dog with them.”
Canale says business owners do have rights to address a dog’s inappropriate behavior.
“If a dog is disruptive in that environment, if they eliminate in that environment, if they are unclean, they can ask the dog to be removed and just let the person know, hey, you know, you are welcome to be here, but unfortunately, your dog is not showing behaviors that an assistance animal should show and we will need you to remove your dog.”
Working to prevent such access problems, PAWS offers tool kits, ADA training, business resources and community education.
"We are also more than willing to come out and speak to the staff and educate them about an assistance animal and how to interact with that assistance dog user."
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